Employee Giving
Arroyo Grande Community Hospital (AGCH) employees are fortunate to work in a tight-knit community - a circle of friends who truly care for each other. Through employee giving, employees are empowered to contribute to their nonprofit hospital’s vision of delivering the highest quality, compassionate, affordable care.
Since the program began in 2007, employees have given over $800,000 through the Circle of Friends! In 2021, employees can choose to support Surgical Services, the Behavioral Health Evaluation Team Fund, the Cancer Care Fund, the Nursing Education Fund, the Employee Assistance Fund or where the need is greatest with their gifts. Employee support of these programs demonstrates their appreciation for their workplace and community, as well as an understanding of the need for continued advancements at the hospital.
Many employees are members of the Hour of Power, contributing one hour of their pay each pay period. Stephanie Hughey, RN, House Supervisor and Assistant Nurse Manager, has been an Hour of Power member for several years. She said, “I view the hospital as my home away from home, and I want to help take care of my coworkers and neighbors to make sure we have the best equipment and best facility. I started my AGCH career in the Emergency Department in 2004, and it’s been incredible to see how donations have improved the facility as a whole. It benefits everyone - employees and the community! I love how easy it is to give through the Hour of Power! It’s just taken out little by little from my paycheck, I don’t miss it at all, and it’s so nice to be able to see the results.”
Mary Estephan, Lead RN, Ambulatory Surgery, is another longtime Hour of Power member. She said, “Over the last 10 years that I’ve worked at AGCH, I have seen the benefits of giving to our community hospital. We recently were able to purchase an ultrasound bladder scanner for our department because of donations to the Foundation. This will assist us in diminishing the risk of getting a bladder injury after surgery. With the financial support the Foundation offers, our small hospital can strive to have the best current technical equipment. This supports the health and wellbeing of all those that live in and visit our community. What better way to improve our working conditions than to give in a positive and meaningful way to ourselves so that we can care for others?”
Stephanie, Mary, and many other employees who consistently give demonstrate their commitment to the future of AGCH and the wellbeing of the community.
There are several ways to join the Employee Circle of Friends.
Thank you to all employees that contribute to the Circle of Friends – your support is a true demonstration of Humankindness.